IIT Bombay is scheduled to release the UCEED 2026 final answer key for Part A on January 28 at 5:00 PM. This release follows the closure of the objection window where candidates submitted challenges against the draft key. Aspirants can download the final PDF from the official portal to calculate their verified scores before the Part A cutoff announcement on February 5.The final key is the definitive document used for result preparation and shortlisting for the Part B evaluation.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is set to publish the final answer key for the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED 2026) today, January 28. This follows a rigorous review process by the exam authorities after the objection window officially closed on January 22 at 5:00 PM. Thousands of candidates who appeared for the entrance exam on January 18 are eagerly awaiting the release of the final document, which will serve as the absolute reference for Part A score calculation. As per the official schedule, the final key is expected to be uploaded on the official UCEED portal by 5:00 PM.

Transition from Draft to Final Answer Key

The evaluation process for UCEED 2026 is designed to be transparent and candidate-friendly, involving multiple stages of verification to ensure accuracy in the final merit ranks.

• Draft Key Feedback: The draft answer key and candidate response sheets for Part A were released on January 20. Aspirants were given a 48-hour window to identify discrepancies and submit their comments through the candidate portal.
• Expert Review: Every objection received before the January 22 deadline has been scrutinized by a panel of subject matter experts. The final document to be released today will incorporate all legitimate corrections identified during this review.
• No Further Challenges: Candidates must note that the final answer key is non-negotiable. No further requests for modifications or objections will be entertained after today's release.
• Part B Shortlisting: The marks obtained based on the final key will determine which candidates qualify for the Part B (Drawing) evaluation.

Important Dates and Score Calculation

With the release of the final key, the path toward the results becomes clearer. Candidates can use the official marking scheme to estimate their scores before the official results are announced in March.

• Marking Scheme: Part A of the exam consists of Numerical Answer Type (NAT), Multiple Select Questions (MSQ), and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Each section has a specific marking and negative marking protocol.
• Part A Cutoff: IIT Bombay will announce the official cutoff marks for Part A on February 5, 2026. Only those who meet this cutoff will have their Part B drawing papers evaluated.
• Final Results: The comprehensive results, including the All India Rank (AIR), are scheduled to be declared on March 6, 2026.
• Scorecard Availability: Candidates can download their official scorecards starting from March 10 until July 31, 2026.

How to Download the Final Key

Aspirants are advised to follow these steps on the IIT Bombay UCEED portal to access the final solutions:

1. Visit the official website and navigate to the 'Downloads' section.
2. Click on the link titled "Final Answer Key for Part-A (UCEED 2026)".
3. The PDF will open in a new window; match the question IDs with your downloaded response sheet.
4. Calculate your final Part A score to assess your chances of qualifying for the 2026 results list.

Conclusion

The release of the final document on January 28 marks the end of the first major phase of the UCEED 2026 evaluation. By addressing candidate concerns through the objection window, IIT Bombay ensures that the foundation of the final results is both fair and technically sound. As the design community waits for the 5:00 PM upload, candidates should keep their registration details ready to verify their standing. This final key is the ultimate bridge between the January 18 exam and the official merit ranks that will shape the future of India's next generation of designers.